Roy G. Lehmann

June 13, 1930 - December 30, 2009

Roy G Lehmann, 79, of Merritt Island, FL passed away on December 30, 2009. Roy was born on Friday June 13, 1930 in St. Louis, MO to Curt Jared Lehmann and Ida Glauser.

As a young man, Roy worked at a gas station to help support his family. He took pride in knowing his customer's names and would always address them as Mr. or Mrs. – he said that they were easy to remember because he wrote their last names on the inside of the gas tank cover. During the winter months, Roy would rise early to go through the neighborhood putting snow chains on the neighbor’s cars for a quarter. He also told us stories about gas coupons and rationing during the war. He remembered the name of the first person he pumped gas for when the war was over and rationing had been suspended. He told of the craftsmanship and pride that his father, a master woodworker, had in his craft. He watched his dad build a spiral staircase without nails or screws to hold it together. As Roy grew and learned more about automobiles and engines he found his passion in racing. Roy and his brother Curt began racing, enjoying the speed, camaraderie, and many adventures while traveling throughout the Midwest. He often told stories of finishing one race, loading the trailer, and then making repairs on their race car while driving to the next race. They would strap themselves to trailer to make sure they didn’t fall off and would usually complete the repairs just in time for the next race. Roy stopped racing in 1957 when his brother was fatally injured in a racing accident.

Roy married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Jo Hall on June 25th, 1955, the last Saturday in June. They honeymooned in Miami Beach. Roy said "This is the life, when you’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt on Christmas day sitting by the Miami River." Roy and Margaret drove back to St. Louis after their honeymoon, packed their belongings and moved to Miami. Roy worked for Firestone in Downtown Miami. He enjoyed the growth and challenges of his work. He enjoyed telling the story of changing a tire on a car in the President's motorcade and getting a telegram from the Presidential office thanking him for his service.

On January 21, 1956 Roy's son, Rex Patrick Lehmann was born at North Shore Hospital, weighing 2lb 13oz. Anyone who knew Roy and his 6'4" height would understand how Rex could lay in the palm of his dad’s hand, with nothing spilling over. Rex went on to become a Lieutenant Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Miami. Rex is now enjoying his retirement with his wife Diane and their extended family.

On April 29, 1958, Roy's daughter, Patricia J. Lehmann was born at North Shore Hospital. Patty followed in her father's footsteps in tire sales. Patty and her husband Ed live in West Palm Beach Florida. They are active in their church and have their own business with Primerica Financial Services.

Roy continued to work with Firestone and in 1961 he was transferred to a store in Winter Haven, Florida.

On February 24, 1962, Roy's daughter Margaret Jo Lehmann was born at Winter Haven Hospital. Jo married Scott La Londe in 1986. They had 2 daughters Cadda Marie La Londe born June 9, 1987 and Bryanna Jae La Londe born May 9, 1989. Jo moved to Merritt Island to raise her daughters with the help of Roy and Margaret. Jo met her true love, Bobby Arnold and they have been committed to each other and raising the girls. Jo has worked in Plant Operations for hospital facilities for 20 years.

In 1962 the family returned to Miami. Roy went to work with Buck Morris Tire Co. and began to make a respected name and a reputation for himself. When asked what it takes to be great at sales he said "First you have to sell your company - you have to make them believe in your company as much as you believe in its merits". Then he said "shut up and listen to them." His reputation and territory ranged from the east coast to the west coast of Florida, from Dade County up to the Treasure Coast. Tire engineers from major tire brands consulted him for his long experience, common sense solutions, and hands on assistance.

In 1972 – Roy reignited his love of racing and started “SEMAR” South East Midget Auto Racing”. Roy as always, made lifelong friends while working to get midget racing back into Florida. His friends Bert Hall, West Palm Beach, Dick Croop, Marietta, GA, John Maynard, Bradenton, FL, Les Scott, Ossian, Indiana, Rich Vogel, NASCAR, alll shared his passion for midget auto racing. SEMAR set up races throughout the State of Florida, bringing in some of the best in Midget racing. In 1978 SEMAR ran its last race. Roy and his friends continued to keep in contact enjoying the thrill of the race, whether traveling together to racing events or on the television screen, until his death.

In December 1997 – Roy and Margaret retired and moved to Merritt Island after 38 years in Miami. During his retirement he joined the Firestone Gumdippers, enjoying many yearly meetings in Tampa, sharing stories and tales of the good ole days.

Roy might have retired from the corporate life but he didn't stop selling. After moving to Merritt Island, he started his own tire business, Specialty Tires of Florida. This time instead of selling giant tires it was on a smaller scale of golf cart, lawn and garden tires. He still enjoyed getting to meet new people, learning new things about small tires and offering only his best to all of his customers. He said one of the best advantages of being in the small tire business was being able to play golf at some of the best courses in Florida. Again, he built his business and his reputation by only giving his best to his clients.

Roy took special pride in his granddaughters. Cadda shares his passion of performance engines and racing. She is now attending NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. Bryanna is attending Brevard Community College and going to UCF for a degree in Physical Fitness. Bryanna shares his people skills and like her grandpa knows that no one is a stranger, they're just someone you haven't met yet.

Roy was and is loved by all of his family. He was a loving husband, a wonderful dad, and an awesome grandpa. If you knew him, you knew a man who always had the time to listen to you, to lend you a hand or share an idea. He had the ability to look at a problem from outside the box and come up with a simple way to fix the problem. He was truly a man respected and admired not only by his family, but by friends and acquaintances. The world will be a sadder place without him and he will be greatly missed everyday. He wanted no one to cry over him, just remember him for his full and wonderful life, and as one of the greatest story tellers there ever was. We have been blessed for having him in our lives, loving us. May the Lord hold him and keep him, forever.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother Ida Glaser Lehmann; his dad Curt Jared Lehmann; his brother Curt Lehmann; his sister Joanne Lehmann Patty and her husband Bob; and his brother-in-law Warren Groteke.

Roy is survived by his wife Margaret Jo Hall Lehmann; his son Rex (Diane) Lehmann; daughters Patricia (Ed) Wells and Margaret Jo (Bobby) Lehmann La Londe; granddaughters Cadda Marie La Londe and Bryanna Jae La Londe; and sister Dorothy Lehmann Groteke.

Arrangements entrusted to East Coast Cremation, Rockledge, FL (321) 632-1350.

Funeral Information

Roy’s wish was that he would be cremated and his ashes scattered.